Fence Regulations in Farmington Hills, MI (2026)
8 verified fence regulations for Farmington Hills, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Under Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance Sec. 34-5.12, fences may not exceed eight (8) feet in height and may be located within any yard except the minimum front yard setback or the minimum setback of a yard abutting a street. A 30-inch clear-vision triangle applies at street intersections, measured from the top of curb at street level.
Fence Height Limits in Farmington Hills
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Farmington Hills requires a zoning permit for any fence regardless of size under Sec. 34-5.12. Residential fence permits are issued by the Zoning Division at $100. A building permit is not required for a residential fence, but zoning approval is. Commercial fences are processed through the Planning Office.
Fence Permit Requirements in Farmington Hills
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Farmington Hills Sec. 34-5.12 does not mandate which direction the finished (smooth) side of a fence must face - the finished side may face either the owner's yard or the neighbor's yard. Property line location is the owner's responsibility, and the city does not adjudicate private boundary or cost-sharing disputes, which are civil matters under Michigan law.
Neighbor and Shared Fence Rules in Farmington Hills
Few RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Retaining walls in Farmington Hills are regulated under the Michigan Residential Code (MRC) and Michigan Building Code (MBC), which the city has adopted as required by the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (MCL 125.1501-1531). Under IRC R404.4 (incorporated by reference into the MRC), retaining walls more than 4 feet (footing to top) or any wall supporting a surcharge require an engineered design and a building permit from the Building Division.
Retaining Wall Rules in Farmington Hills
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Swimming pool barriers in Farmington Hills must comply with the Michigan Residential Code Appendix G (adopted from the 2015 IRC), which is preempted to the state by the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act. A minimum 48-inch (4-foot) barrier is required, with openings no greater than 4 inches in diameter, and self-closing/self-latching gates with the latch at least 54 inches above grade. Chapter 28 of the Farmington Hills code (Sec. 28-26 through 28-30) further regulates pools locally.
Pool Barrier Requirements in Farmington Hills
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Beyond height, Sec. 34-5.12 of Farmington Hills' Zoning Chapter requires a zoning permit, compliance with the 30-inch clear-vision triangle, and observance of yard setback rules. Fences must be located on the permit-holder's property, must not contain barbed wire, razor wire, or electric current, and must comply with any HOA covenants in addition to the city code.
General Fence Construction Requirements in Farmington Hills
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Farmington Hills Sec. 34-5.12 prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and any electric current or charge in residential fences. Conventional materials such as wood, vinyl, chain link, ornamental metal/aluminum, masonry, and composite are permitted subject to the 8-foot height limit, setback rules, and the 30-inch clear-vision triangle.
Fence Material Restrictions in Farmington Hills
Some RestrictionsApproved Materials
Farmington Hills Sec. 34-5.12 does not restrict residential fence materials beyond prohibiting barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing. Wood, vinyl/PVC, chain link, aluminum/ornamental metal, masonry, and composite are permitted, with finished-side orientation at the owner's choice (the city does not mandate a smooth-side-out rule).
Approved Fence Materials in Farmington Hills
Few RestrictionsLooking for Oakland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Farmington Hills city rules.
Fence Regulations in Oakland County →